Hayes played just one full season of high school basketball due to injuries. He grew nine inches in three years and developed knee problems as a result. Hayes went on to averaged 13 points and 12.2 rebounds as a senior and chose the Hoyas over UConn, Arkansas and Georgia.

"They have a good history of developing big men who actually do something while you're in the league [NBA]," he told the paper. "One of my goals is to make it to the league, and also get a good education in going there. When I visited, they accepted me into the Hoya family. They made me feel real accepted."